Dig Deeper:

Dig Deeper:

Herbal remedies and alternative treatments that are safe and effective for children.

4 Natural Anti-Aging Alternatives

A fresh wave of alterna-treatments promises firmer, younger-looking skin. Do they really work?

By Jennifer Goldstein

Photography by Gabrielle Revere

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The Treatment Skin Needling

What is it? In this painless procedure, you roll a needle-covered device over your face to create tiny, temporary pricks in your skin, which may trigger a healing response (similar to what occurs after a cut), leading to a smoother complexion. The Rodan + Fields AMP MD System ($200; rodanandfields.com) uses this kind of skin-needling device (shown here) with a peptide-and retinol-based serum.

Does it work? San Francisco dermatologist Kathy Fields, MD, who helped develop a home needling device for Rodan + Fields, says her company's analysis shows using it can induce skin's collagen-building process and improve penetration of anti-aging ingredients applied afterward. But there aren't peer-reviewed studies of at-home devices, and Dr. Stuart believes needling is safer and more effective done in a derm's office with a pro version of the tool.

Bottom Line Used before a retinol-based product, an at-home skin-needling tool can smooth skin, but it's likely the retinol doing most of the work.

The Treatment A Cleanse

What is it? Some experts think that temporarily restricting your diet (whether with a cleanse, a juice fast, or a similar detox plan) can clarify your complexion and make your skin glow.

Does it work? "Most people's skin improves when they do a cleanse because they're removing foods that have a proinflammatory effect—and inflammation is the root of many skin issues, including rosacea, acne, and premature aging," says Frank Lipman, MD, an integrative physician and founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness in New York City. Although it's best to have an integrative medicine expert guide you in the cleansing process, it's possible to see benefits on your own. Dr. Lipman says avoiding caffeine, sugar, dairy, gluten, and meat for a few weeks can offer a short-term boost to your complexion. Research supports this theory to some extent (gluten intolerances have been linked to skin issues for some people, and several studies have shown a correlation between dairy consumption and acne). However, Mary Lupo, MD, a dermatologist and member of Prevention's advisory board, says there are no studies showing that a temporary cleanse—no matter what types of food are restricted—can reduce cellular inflammation or provide long-term skin benefits.

Bottom Line A cleanse won't turn back the clock, but eating less sugar and fewer starchy carbohydrates could be beneficial in the long run. "These foods can spike blood glucose levels, and that accelerates aging of all organs, including the skin, says Dr. Lupo.